Mohamed Kanu and Yeabu Kanu, a landlord and landlady, have been sentenced to three months in prison or a fine of NLe250 for their involvement in a conspiracy and malicious damage case to their tenant.

The conviction stems from an incident on January 25th, 2023, when the convicted pair, along with accomplices, conspired to maliciously damage property belonging to the complainant, Foday Francis Bangura. The damages included eighteen corrugated zinc sheets, a pot of food, and various valuables, totaling seven hundred and ninety Leones (NLe 790).

Presiding over the case, Magistrate Sahr Kekura emphasized that the defendants’ confession at the police station, where they admitted to hiring a carpenter to dismantle the complainant’s apartment rooftop, played a crucial role in establishing their guilt. The court acknowledged the presentation of six witnesses by the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Isatu Bangura, including an exhibit clerk.

The defense, represented by Randy S. Bangura from the Legal Aid Board of Sierra Leone, cross-examined the prosecution’s witnesses during the trial. However, the accused individuals did not present any plea in mitigation, and their legal representation was notably absent during the proceedings.

In his verdict, Magistrate Kekura declared, “The accused persons are therefore found guilty as charged,” before offering the convicted individuals a choice between a three-month imprisonment term at the Male and Female Correctional Centre in Freetown or a fine of NLe250 payable to the state.